randombirder

On the road again heading to Lower Sabie, hoping for a much quieter day travelwise, in an attempt not to dash around and limit the kms.  Lower Sabie is an excellent area for wildlife and today there was plenty of activity with over forty giraffe and plenty of elephant indulging within the shallows of the river. The views across the river from the Lower Sabie are magnificent. The park authorities really should seek to limit the number of zebra crossings. Another opportunity to jump out the car at Ntandanyathi Game Viewing Hide that was relatively quiet with a few lurking elephant. The river held a three  African jacana and a couple of  black crake while lesser striped swallow zipped past the hide. While staying at Lower Sabie rest camp, we were tipped off about a nearby lion sighting just a short drive up the road. Armed with half-remembered directions and a bit of luck, we somehow found the spot on our first attempt. Tucked away from the midday heat, was a small f...

After checking out of Sunbird Lodge, we set off towards Phalaborwa and began the long, stop-start drive in the direction of Hazyview.  These drives are really about the moments along the way, every animal sighting a small joy, regardless of the species. Although the park is rich in wildlife, there are stretches when sightings are few and far between, which somehow makes each encounter feel all the more special. Heading along the Phalaborwa road toward Letaba, it was generally quiet, until this happened. A beautiful lioness emerged from the leftside of the road. I slammed on the brakes and for the next few minutes with no one else around, we were absolutely beguiled by this beautiful animal. Into the road it continued unperturbed by a couple of other vehicles that eventually arrived on the scene. We continued to move further into the park stopping first at the Letaba rest camp. More roadworthy animals. This young male elephant evidently had a good time at a waterhole. More crossing...